Olympic hockey: Thoughts as we enter the semifinals

Is Kristers Gedlevskis really that good? 

Russia Devastated by Finland

Despite missing its three top centremen, Finland defeated Russia, and eliminated the host country in the quarterfinals. The Russians were perhaps under the most pressure in this tournament, and I expect this loss will have both hockey and political implications. One takeaway from this game is never count out Finland in international tournaments (like I have in my last two posts).

 Czechs underwhelming against USA

USA looked great again as they rolled over the Czech Republic 5-2. The Czech team needed high level goaltending from Ondrej Pavelec, who looked out of place on some of the goals that came from behind the net. The US looks pretty dominant right now, and they will be looking to continue this against Canada.

Latvia holds their own against Canada

Hard to know what to make of this game from a Canadian perspective. While Canada got 57 shots on goal, they only scored twice. On Canada's second goal, Latvian goaltender Kristers Gedlevskis looked too tired from the barrage of shots he was facing to make it across the net and stop Shea Weber's blast. Canada seem to be having trouble playing as a team, and converting its scoring chances.

Paging Sidney Crosby

After four games, Canada is still relying on its defence to score goals. While this team on paper has the most forward depth in the tournament, goals have been hard to come by. To me, it looks like the forward group has to relax and be a little more selfish with the puck. These players are some of the best in the world, and the pass first mentally is becoming too predictable. Despite the fact that Babcock and many analysts seem to be comfortable with Crosby's play, this team was to a certain extent build around the captain (Hello Chris Kunitz) and they are going to need him to be a difference maker in order to beat the Americans.

Two unbelievable semifinal games

USA versus Canada and Sweden versus Finland could not have been scripted better, as both semifinal games feature geographic and historical rivals. I get the impression that this is the game both USA and Canada want. Canada seems to feel more comfortable playing North American teams who play a similar style, and the US will be looking to avenge their loss to Canada in the Olympic finals in Vancouver. As it stands now, the safe bet is for Sweden and USA to play for the gold medal.